St Helena : St Helena Executive Council Report (26/06/07)
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 02.07.2007 (Article Archived on 16.07.2007)
The St. Helena Government updates us on what happened during the public session of Executive Council.
St. Helena Executive Council Meeting Tuesday 26th June
In the open agenda part of the Executive Council Meeting held on Tuesday morning 26th June 2007 five items were discussed. Overseas Territories: Relationship with the United Kingdom.
This topic receives regular discussion in UK Overseas Territories Conferences. Members discussed the attachment of a letter from Lord Triesman relating to better understanding between the UK and Overseas Territories. References were made to the 1999 White Paper, which is due to be revisited in two years time. Generally it was felt that there is already a good relationship between St Helena and the UK and that the attachment being discussed reflects what is written in the 1999 White Paper. One member’s impression was that the attachment seems to be saying that the “Piper calls the tune”. The Governor felt the attachment should be put into context and said the UK is signed up to International Obligations and sometimes the Governor, has to act responsibly in the interest of the UK. He felt the St Helena Territory is well managed and the attachment seems to be directed not specifically at St Helena, but probably at other Overseas Territories, especially regarding international finance and corruption. The attachment would be discussed with members of Legislative Council, and consideration would be given as to how to make the information available to the media, and also how best to disseminate the information to the wider public.
During this discussion the media did not have access to the attachment to Lord Triesman’s letter, however the information discussed can be seen on the FCO’s website, it was said.
Anti-corruption measures in the Overseas Territories
Members discussed the attachment of a letter from Mr Hillary Benn. The content of this attachment was much the same as in the previous one. Currently there are a number of regulations and safeguards in place in St Helena including Code of Conduct, Register of Interests for Elected Members, Public Services Orders, etc. It was agreed that a list of the regulations and safeguards protecting against corruption that are in place be sent to Mr Benn.
Sustainable Development Plan (SDP)
Members were advised that the final draft of the SDP is nearly ready and will be brought before members. The SDP will still need some pretty intense discussions. The importance of the SDP should not be understated. It will be revisited and updated on an annual basis.
It provides the framework for guiding and measuring future progress on economic development and the steps taken towards eventual self sufficiency. One member said that during the public consultation certain remarks were made, and asked if there would be a process for feeding back to the public.
Criminal Justice Bill, 2007
This Bill was discussed recently in the public meeting held at Anne’s Place recently, Co-chaired by the Attorney General and Public Solicitor. The Attorney General updated members on concerns that were pointed out about the Bill in the public meeting and the amendments to reflect these points, and also amendments suggested by the members when the Draft Bill was first discussed. It was agreed that the Criminal Justice Bill, 2007 should be printed and presented at the Legislative Council Meeting to be held in July.
Information Paper regarding the Spear Guns Control Order, 2006
There had been a request from A&NRD to allow for spear guns to be used for scientific reasons, whereby certain species of fish could be caught and analysed to ensure accurate information in relation to age of fish, stock levels, etc. A list detailing the fish that had been caught was shown to members.
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